Rocky Mount in Nash County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Lafayette
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2011
1. Lafayette Marker
Erected 1941 by North Carolina Office of Archives & History. (Marker Number E-31.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Patriots & Patriotism. In addition, it is included in the Lafayette’s Farewell Tour, and the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is February 28, 1814.
Location. 35° 57.687′ N, 77° 48.318′ W. Marker is in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, in Nash County. Marker is at the intersection of Falls Road (State Highway 43/48) and Peachtree Street, on the left when traveling north on Falls Road. Located on northern bank at Tar River bridge. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: NC-43, Rocky Mount NC 27804, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Donaldson's Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Falls Road Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); First Post Office of Rocky Mount (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rocky Mount Mills (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rocky Mount Mills School (approx. 0.3 miles away);
this page online
Regarding Lafayette. The Marquis de Lafayette, a Frenchman who served as a Major General in the Continental Army and was a close friend of George Washington, was invited by Congress to visit the United States as the guest of the nation. His visit, during the years 1824 and 1825, remains an unparalleled American journey. Lafayette arrived in New York in August 1824 and, over the next six months, toured New England and the middle states before traveling further south in February 1825.
Lafayette’s first overnight stop in North Carolina was at Murfreesboro on February 26, 1825. On the morning of the 27th, he left Murfreesboro at about 11:00 A.M. and traveled about twenty miles to Northampton Court House (now the town of Jackson), where he was received by the official state welcoming committee. Lafayette and his entourage moved on to Halifax, where he gave an impassioned speech about liberty and freedom, dined in the Eagle Tavern, and stayed for the evening of February
Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 18, 2011
2. Lafayette Marker, looking north along Falls Road (NC 43/48)
After the stop in Halifax, Lafayette continued on to Raleigh, where he was guest of Governor Hutchins G. Burton. Numerous balls and festivities were held in his honor, and Raleigh’s social elite surrounded him. He was entertained in the home of Revolutionary War veteran William Polk. Afterwards the procession continued on to Fayetteville where the largest celebration in his honor was held. Formerly the town of Cross Creek, Fayetteville had been named in Lafayette’s honor in 1783.(North Carolina Office of Archives & History)
Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 18, 2011
3. Lafayette Marker, Falls Road on left and Peachtree Street (southbound) at right
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, September 5, 2015
4. General the Marquis de Lafayette
This portrait of Lafayette by an unknown American Artist hangs in the Museum of the Historical Society of Maryland in Baltimore.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 880 times since then and 108 times this year. Last updated on June 9, 2023, by Michael Buckner of Durham, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 16, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4. submitted on November 7, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
